Everyday Money Hacks: 5 Simple Steps to Stretch Your Dollars

Episode 2: “Everyday Money Hacks: 5 Simple Steps to Stretch Your Dollars”

Feeling the pinch of financial stress? In this episode of the Reset & Reclaim Podcast, we share five no-nonsense money moves you can start today to ease your budget worries—and reclaim calm in every area of your life. You’ll learn how to:

1. Cook more at home (think one-pan fajitas or Costco rotisserie chicken on croissants)
2. Audit and cancel forgotten subscriptions with a tool like Rocket Money (no affiliation—just love!)
3. Shop smart for car insurance using sites like The Zebra or Policygenius
4. Tackle basic DIY repairs (Home Depot and your local library even offer free how-to workshops)
5. Score secondhand treasures on Facebook Marketplace and thrift stores

Plus, we’ll guide you through a simple weekly action plan—and share resources to keep the momentum going, from our new eBook to guided meditations and 1:1 coaching calls. Tune in and discover how small shifts can unlock big savings—and more energy for relationships, career, and life changes.

Listen now and take charge of your finances—one hack at a time!

Transcript

This is Empower Life Coach—real steps, real growth, real you.

Welcome back to the Reset & Reclaim Podcast, brought to you by Empower Life Coach! In Episode 1, “Releasing Shame to Rediscover Your Power,” we explored how shame holds us back and shared a simple reflection to help you reclaim your voice. This season we’re built around our four pillars of empowerment:

Relationships – Episode 3: setting boundaries that uplift you

Career – Episode 4: negotiating your worth and finding fulfilling work

Finance – Today’s Episode 2: five everyday hacks to reduce money stress and stretch your dollars

Life Changes – Episode 5: navigating big transitions with clarity and courage

By easing financial stress, we free up energy to thrive across every area of life. Let’s dive into those five simple money hacks!

Last month, I nearly spilled my coffee when I scored a brand-new pair of Apple AirPods Max on Facebook Marketplace—unopened and 100 percent authentic—for just $120, even though they retail for $500! That thrill reminded me how much peace of mind comes from savvy spending—and how those small wins can lift your mood, sharpen your focus, and improve your relationships and work.

Hack One: Cook More, Eat Better

Let’s start in the kitchen—because even simple meals can save you $50–$75 a month versus takeout and bring real calm to your day. You don’t have to be a master chef: YouTube channels like Budget Bytes or Tasty, beginner cooking blogs, and community classes make basic cooking totally accessible.

Recipe Ideas & Shortcuts:

– One-Pan Chicken Fajitas: Sauté peppers, onions, and pre-marinated chicken strips. Serve in tortillas with salsa and avocado

– Spaghetti with Garlic-Butter Sauce: Boil pasta, then toss with melted butter, minced garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. Add a side salad

– Cheese Quesadillas: Layer tortillas with cheese and any leftover veggies or protein. Grill until golden; dip in salsa or sour cream

– Costco Rotisserie Chicken Remix: That $5 chicken is pure gold. Shred it for salads or tacos—or my favorite: shredded chicken on Costco croissants (about $7 for a dozen)! You can make 8–10 sandwiches for less than the cost of one restaurant meal

Time-Savers: chop a week’s worth of veggies at once; use pre-washed greens or frozen mixes; batch-cook rice or quinoa and freeze in portions.

Hack Two: Audit Your Subscriptions

Hidden subscriptions chip away at your budget—and your peace of mind. Open your app-store subs or check your credit-card statement for forgotten charges. I recommend Rocket Money (formerly Truebill)—I’m not an affiliate; I just love it. It links to your accounts, finds hidden subs instantly, and lets you cancel unwanted services with one tap. Cancel a $10 monthly fee and free up $120 a year for your goals.

Hack Three: Shop Your Insurance

Feeling like you overpay on car insurance is a low-grade stress that follows you everywhere. Try comparison sites like The Zebra or Policygenius, plug in your details, and compare quotes. Then call your current agent for loyalty or bundling discounts. Saving $100 a year really lightens the load.

Hack Four: DIY vs. Delegate

Small home repairs don’t always require a pro. Swapping a wall outlet yourself—with a voltage tester, screwdriver, and wire stripper—can save $100–$150. Remember to turn off the breaker, double-check with your tester, and follow wire color codes. If you’re new to DIY, Home Depot offers free weekend workshops, and your local library often has books or free classes on home maintenance. Taking control of these tasks saves money and builds confidence.

Hack Five: Buy Secondhand First

Before you buy new, explore secondhand options. Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and buy-nothing groups are goldmines for gently used furniture, clothing, and electronics. I once snagged those AirPods Max—and I’ve found nearly new home goods for a fraction of retail. Search with “near me,” set price alerts, and ask for photos of serial numbers to verify authenticity.

This week, pick one hack to reduce financial stress in your life:

Meal Prep: Cook at least one recipe at home—feel the relief of skipping takeout

Subscription Sweep: Spend five minutes with Rocket Money to cancel a forgotten sub

Thrift Hunt: Browse one secondhand listing by Saturday and notice the savings

Track what you save and share your win with #EmpowerLifeCoach. Small steps compound fast!

And before you go…

Download our new eBook, breaking the cycle, reclaiming your voice, power, and inner peace at empowerlifecoachca.com/ebook

Stream our meditation album, Reset & Reclaim: Guided Meditations for Inner Calm & Clarity on Apple Music (Spotify coming soon!)

Subscribe to our mailing list at empowerlifecoachca.com for more free tools like the Life Assessment and exclusive tips

Schedule a free 15-minute coaching call with us for personalized guidance

Ready for deeper transformation? Check out Welcome to Reset & Rise: A 4-Week Journey to Reclaim Your Power—our self-paced course where you’ll reflect, reset, and rise

Thanks for listening to Episode 2 of the Reset & Reclaim Podcast. You’ve got five practical steps to ease financial stress and reclaim calm in your life. Next week, we’ll dive into setting compassionate boundaries to strengthen your relationships. Until then—real steps, real growth, real you.